Kayak the Albion River

Kayaking up stream, the river stirs. A harbor seal pokes his head above the surface and stares back at us. Overhead, an osprey glides, searching for lunch. Blue herons perch on limbs of firs, pines, and redwoods on the river banks. We startle a cormorant. Madly slapping the river and running along the surface, she takes flight.

The Albion River meets the Pacific eight miles south of Mendocino. Turn east on the first road north of the bridge, and follow it to Albion River Campground to launch. We paddled a few miles upstream. Floating back, we let the gentle current do the work, wanting to savor the joy and serenity of being on the river.

The Albion River Campground, 707-937-0606, rents kayaks and canoes from early spring to late fall. They have RV and tent sites on the river, or you can stay in one of their RVs.